Flyers Weekly Mailbag: Will Fletcher Move Up In The Draft?

This is the most critical offseason in recent memory for the Flyers, and their proud orange-clad fans. Chuck Fletcher definitely has his work cut out for him, not only with some household cleaning within the organization, but adding a few quality pieces to hopefully become a contender. Without further delay, here are our answers to your questions.

I think it's more likely that Chuck Fletcher trades for a Top 4 Defenseman, than a second line Center. In particular, I think Fletcher trades for a top 4 Defenseman at the draft. The market just isn't as strong for a quality top 4 Defenseman, as it is for a second line Center, via free agency. Of course, Erik Karlsson is available, however, he has had his fair share of injuries this past season. Hopefully, the Flyers add a Veteran top 4 Defenseman that plays the rigors of an 82 games season.

I think the "A's" will go to Sean Couturier, Jakub Voracek, and Radko Gudas on Defense. The players love Gudas, and I would love Ivan Provorov to get an "A." But, let's him grow a few more years before he is handed such. Provorov sooner or later will have an "A."

The Flyers will be more vocal in the locker room for sure, especially with the addition of Alain Vigneault. I see Couturier growing more into a leader this coming season, and he will be a good voice in the locker room. However, I do believe Fletcher has a plan to add another voice, as well, via trade or free agency.

Scott Laughton and Ryan Hartman will fit in just fine, and will not block any young prospect that is ready to take the next leap into the NHL. Any prospect that comes up, more than likely they would be on the third line or higher, thus Hartman and Laughton will not block any young prospect as both players would figure onto the fourth line. I mean Hartman could figure onto the third line, but I personally believe one of Morgan Frost, Joel Farabee, or Isaac Ratcliffe will make the roster in the Fall. So, one of those prospects would take the place of Hartman on the third line.

Laughton has the most upside in my opinion. He was a very solid Forward for the Flyers this past season, and Laughton was an asset for the coaching staff. The kid does whatever the coaching staff asks of him, and never complains. Laughton will play the PK, PP, and try to do anything to win. To me, he was an underrated Forward this past season. Both Hartman and Laughton will be just fine and do whatever the coaching staff asks of them. In addition, Hartman can also play the PK if needed.

You know what this one is mind-boggling. My source who is usually always correct said that Ivan Provorov would re-sign before the World's began. I'm guessing, but I think the Flyers are asking for a long-term contract at about 6-6.5 mil per year. Provorov might want a bridge deal, as the long-term most likely will not benefit him, rather it would benefit the Flyers, so that may be the holdup.

Either way, during the exit interviews Fletcher said that he has talked to several of the RFA's agents. Provorov's agent is one that I know for a fact he talked to. I'm puzzled that a new deal is not in place, but I'm confident that one will get done here shortly.

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I can't really see Fletcher submitting offers for Brayden Point, Mitchell Marner, or Patrick Laine, even though he did state submitting offers for RFA's were a possibility. However, I could see him trading for the rights of Jacob Trouba, or possibly even trading for Jared Spurgeon. Trouba or Spurgeon would be able to play top minutes with Ivan Provorov. Fletcher, in my opinion, will snag either or, and that will be bold. Lettttttttttts go Flyerssssssss

Jacob Trouba has, and will remain my primary acquisition for the Flyers this off-season. Trouba would eat a ton of minutes, and he could figure onto the top pairing with Ivan Provorov. Erik Karlsson like you said will command term and money. I would really like the Flyers to steer clear of a bad cap contract in the future.

Fletcher is more likely to trade for a top 4 Defenseman at the draft, then to move up within a top 5 pick at the draft. It will take a ton to move up, and I don't think Fletcher is ready to move on from those assets for an unknown player. What I mean is every prospect is different, and although I think each one of those picks would do well in the NHL. It is still a risk for an unknown prospect. In my opinion, I just don't think Fletcher would make that type of trade this off-season. However, I have been wrong before, and with that, anything is possible at the draft.

I agree with you on Nolan Patrick. Patrick will come out firing on all cylinders from start to finish next season. He has the tendency as you are aware to start off slow, and pull it together for the second half. Next season, I envision Patrick finishing with a career-high 57 points (22g,35a). The kid is just too talented, and too speedy to not pull it all together next season. I will go out on a limb here and say Patrick will win the Pelle Lindbergh Trophy, as the Flyers Most Improved Player next season.

Matt Duchene would be an awesome fit as a 2C for the orange and black. Unfortunately, he will cost a pretty penny, as well as, seek some term. Duchene would help this team in many ways, but the Flyers could be handcuffed eventually with this cap hit.

Kevin Hayes is a main target for the Flyers. Hayes, of course, played for Alain Vigneault with the New York Rangers, so there is familiarity there. The 2C market might be very thin come July 1 that I could see teams overpaying out of the Ying-yang for talent. However, this is a position of need for the orange and black, so to me, Hayes seems like the best fit via free agency, as I expect Joe Pavelski and Brock Nelson to resign with their respective clubs.

Tyler Johnson like you have stated for a few weeks now seems like a very logical fit as a 2C, via the trade route. The Tampa Bay Lightning will try to resign players like Anton Stralman, Brayden Point, Braydon Coburn, Danick Martel, and Dan Girardi. Currently, the Lightning only have approximately $1.4 million of cap space, which would leave them with approximately $7.9 million of cap space, by the time the cap goes up by $6.5 million at the end of the season. All in all the Lightning can't sign everyone.

Jacob Trouba has, and will remain my primary acquisition for the Flyers this off-season. Trouba would eat a ton of minutes, and he could figure onto the top pairing with Ivan Provorov. Erik Karlsson like you said will command term and money. I would really like the Flyers to steer clear of a bad cap contract in the future. To me, the top 4 Defencemen role is between Trouba and Jared Spurgeon.

Michael Ferland is a player that Fletcher could very well target. I think Ferland can help the Flyers in the "Gritty" area of the game, as well as, pot some big goals. He potted 17 goals this past season for the Carolina Hurricanes, and Ferland would provide a bit of toughness for the club, as well. Let's not forget Ferland potted 21 goals the prior year as a member of the Calgary Flames. The Flyers will also be interested in Artemi Panarin for sure, but I think he is destined to sign with the Florida Panthers.

Kasperi Kapanen is also a strong possibility. He's an RFA for the Toronto Maple Leafs, and they cannot resign everybody much like Tampa Bay. The Leafs will be handcuffed with the Mitchell Marner contract oh, that it may free up Kapanen. Fletcher may be inclined to trade for his rights beings the Marner talks haven't gone that well.

Between Ferland and Kapanen I say Fletcher makes a trade for Kapanen's rights. It just makes more sense to add this type of playmaker, that is of course if Fletcher does indeed add a Winger.

If you would like to see your questions submitted in our weekly mailbag. Just submit your question on our Facebook page or on Twitter using #Flyersmail. Thanks to all the fans for another great mailbag, and Let’s go Flyers. Without your support, we wouldn’t be here today.